Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1 Flu - Students

What is SIUE doing about H1N1?

Departments have been identified that are essential to the continuing operations of the university during a crisis. These departments have been required to prepare continuity of operation plans to ensure that they can provide vital services in a pandemic crisis.

A Pandemic Planning Committee has been established and is now meeting on a weekly basis to stay current on H1N1 issues, to educate the campus community and to develop procedures to respond to a possible pandemic situation.

The Emergency Management and Safety Department and University Health Services remain in close contact with local, state and federal agencies to receive their recommendations regarding H1N1.

SIUE has an all hazard emergency plan that is up-to-date and includes a pandemic annex.

SIUE conducts emergency exercises on an annual basis to prepare for disaster situations.

The University has an emergency team that will operate in an emergency operations center in the event of a crisis situation. This team is compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu?

H1N1 (commonly referred to as "swine flu") is a new influenza virus causing illness in humans. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. It is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spreads.

How does H1N1 (Swine) Flu spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. You may become infected by touching a flu-infected surface and then touching your mouth or nose. Once infected you may be contagious to others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and for 7 or more days after becoming ill.

Will I be protected against H1N1 Flu if I receive the seasonal flu vaccine?

The seasonal flu vaccine is helpful in protecting you from the seasonal flu. It is not expected to also help protect you from the H1N1 flu virus.

What do I do if I have influenza like illness (ILI) symptoms?

You
don't need to go to the emergency room unless you have severe symptoms, such as breathing problems.

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. Stay in your room/home (or make plans to go home). Avoid close contact with others as much as possible, including travel, work and school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)

For sneezes and coughs, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Immediately throw away used tissue, and clean hands after each sneeze or cough.

Avoid close contact with others.

Get plenty of rest. Drink clear fluids to avoid dehydration.

If you experience the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

Do I need prescription medicine if I have influenza like illness (ILI) symptoms?

No, most people recover without prescription meds. If you are at high risk* for complications from the flu, you may need to discuss medications with your physician (high risk* includes pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes or other conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys, and people with weak immune systems).

Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include:
Acetaminophen- Tylenol

Ibuprofen- Motrin, Advil, Nuprin

Naproxen- Aleve

Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. These medications do not however reduce contagion.

Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications-don't double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.

Will I be notified if someone at SIUE has a confirmed case of H1N1 flu? If yes, then how?

Yes, you will be notified if a confirmed case of H1N1 occurs at SIUE. Surveillance of H1N1 is a matter of Public Health and therefore case information will be released in generic format (no individual names will be released). Information will be posted on the Health Service and Madison County Health Department websites.